Staff Paralegal - Housing

Protect Homes. Empower Communities. Become Our Next Paralegal!

The Housing Team Staff Paralegal will work as a member of the housing team to serve low-income and senior tenants who are facing eviction. This full-time non-exempt position reports to the Supervising Attorney and is based in the Compton or Norwalk office.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain caseload of housing-related matters, under attorney supervision, including, but not limited to matters involving eviction defense.
• Work with attorney to prepare cases for trial. 
• Participate in negotiation and settlement discussion with adverse parties and their legal representatives.
• Assist with our clinics and workshops, including our answer clinic.
• Prepare legal work under attorney supervision, including forms, pleadings, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Maintain accurate case notes and timekeeping in LegalServer, and organize client files (electronic and physical).
• Assist with client intake, interviews, and communication, including relaying attorney guidance clearly and efficiently.
• Support case development through investigations, witness interviews, and factual and legal research (including citation checks).
• Perform administrative and clerical tasks such as record-keeping, document management, copying, and e-Filing.
• Manage calendars and deadlines while maintaining strict confidentiality of the attorney-client relationship.
• Support outreach efforts, including community education, presentations, and (when qualified) interpretation and translation.
• Work with a multi-cultural perspective.
• Perform other duties as required to meet the needs of the organization.

Education:

• Paralegal certificate, paralegal degree or 
• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.

Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, active insurance policy or other ability to travel frequently in and around the service area for representation and to engage with clients and community partners - Required. 
• Knowledge of landlord tenant law - Preferred.
• Experience working in a high-volume environment - Preferred.
• Knowledge of legal software programs used to prepare California Judicial Council Forms - Preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency – Preferred.
• Strong technical skills; including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams). 
• Excellent analytical, writing, communication, and listening skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Able to work under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Self-motivated team player with initiative, problem-solving ability, and willingness to learn and share knowledge.
• Empathetic, professional, and energetic approach when working with clients and team members.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of clients utilizing client-centered lawyering and trauma-informed frameworks.
• Ability to model CLA SoCal’s and mission – Required.

Holistic Benefits:

• May work as little as 35-hour workweek.
• Hybrid Schedule
• 16 paid holidays + PTO (including wellness days) starting Day 1
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Student loan reimbursement program
• Bilingual bonus pay for qualified staff

About CLA SoCal:

Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal) is a welcoming and hopeful non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the legal needs of low-income residents and seniors throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We provide equal employment opportunities. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, including people of different abilities, religions, identities, orientations, nationalities, and ethnicities. All individuals who are seeking a welcoming environment who celebrate and value the unique characteristics of every member of the team who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at CLA SoCal to apply for this role.